On June 8, a powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the southern Philippines, with its epicentre located off the coast of Mindanao island. The earthquake caused massive casualties and widespread destruction, collapsing buildings, triggering landslides and leaving 32 victims dead.
Category: Philippines
Luzon Economic Corridor tops Philippine-US bilateral talks
On June 5, the Philippines’ Secretary of Foreign Affairs Theresa Lazaro met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington D.C. on the sidelines of the commemoration of the 80th year of Philippine-US diplomatic relations.
Arrest of key Philippine senator shakes pro‑Duterte Senate bloc
The Philippine Senate has experienced an internal hurdle, as one of the majority bloc’s key members has been removed, raising serious questions about whether the camp supportive of former President Rodrigo Duterte will continue to dominate.
The Philippines asserts ASEAN autonomy at Shangri‑La Dialogue
Philippine Secretary of National Defence, Gilbert Teodoro Jr., leveraged the 23rd IISS Shangri-La Dialogue to firmly position Manila to guard the “autonomy of ASEAN member states”. The Philippine delegation emphasised its role to protect rules-based order and solidify international alliances.
Marcos, Takaichi elevate Japan–Philippines ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae formally elevated their countries’ bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) during a state visit on May 28, marking a step forward in bilateral ties amid geopolitical and economic challenges.
Dutch frigate docks in Manila amid South China Sea tensions
The Royal Netherlands Navy’s command frigate HNLMS De Ruyter (F804), docked in Manila port for three days from May 22 until 24, participating in a joint drill as part of their “Pacific Archer” mission—a five-month deployment mission within the Indo-Pacific region. The frigate’s arrival in Manila coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the Netherlands.
Philippines renews commitment to HIV Support during International AIDS Candlelight Memorial
On May 25, the Philippines’ Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reaffirmed its commitment to supporting people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) as the country marked the 2026 International AIDS Candlelight Memorial (IACM). The IACM is one of the world’s longest-running movements dedicated to HIV and AIDS awareness and advocacy.
Philippine Senate demands VP Sara Duterte to submit a formal response
The Philippine Senate formally opened its second impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte on May 18, marking a historic moment in the country’s political trajectory.
ICC targets former Philippines Police Chief chief over drug war killings
The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) of the International Criminal Court (ICC), welcomed the decision by Pre-Trial I to unseal the arrest warrant for Ronald Marapon “Bato” dela Rosa over the infamous “war on drugs” campaign between 2016 and 2022. Dela Rosa is a former Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) under former President Rodrigo Duterte and currently is a Philippine senator.
Philippine parliament impeaches VP Sara Duterte for second time
The Philippines House of Representatives voted on May 9 to impeach Vice President Sara Duterte for the second time this year, citing allegations over misuse of millions in state funds, unexplained wealth possession, bribery of subordinates and a serious assassination threat to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other top officials.